The Philadelphia Metro area has a vibrant urban agriculture scene that the Black Church Food Security Network family was able to get a close view of on March 7-8, 2022. We were invited to this community by Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, pastor of the Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Through Pastor Cavaness’ leadership, Bethel AME Ardmore established a garden on their grounds in 2018 and in 2019 began helping local residents grow food on their lawns as well.
Pastor Cavaness arranged meetings and presentations that helped to spread the word about BCFSN in her community. We addressed the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia & Vicinity, enjoyed a garden tour at Taylor Tabernacle, and soaked in the deep spirituality of a farm experience at The Sankofa Community Farm at Bertram’s Garden. We’re excited about getting more Philadelphia area churches growing food, supporting farmers, and participating in food supply chain organizing.
We’re establishing a BCFSN Local Coordinating Committee in Philadelphia led by Pastor Carolyn Cavaness and other people local to this community. Stay tuned for inspiring updates from the Philadelphia branch of the Black Church Food Security Network!